Mandy Poulsen Photography

That moment when Dad doesn’t realize everyone (including mom) is holding a sea star to announce a 5th baby coming soon!! I really wanted to be a fly on the wall when she actually told him.

Well I am officially over the 30 week hump! I truly can’t believe how quick this pregnancy has gone but then thinking about 10 more weeks is so daunting. All the aches and pains that typically manifest themselves in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy decided to start bothering me several weeks ago. The hips give out, I have to convince myself to walk sometimes, rolling over in bed is comical, having to pee every time you stand is a favorite for sure, debilitating ligament cramps... that last several minutes at a time, the blood rushing to my head every time I bend to pick something up, these are a few of my favorite things. I can tell my body is tired and ready to be done this time around but I’m trying to enjoy it because I know one day I will miss the feeling of growing a little human. It’s pretty amazing despite all the discomfort. My girls are always hugging my belly and giving her kisses too which I will miss so much. I get at least one stranger a day that asks me how much longer I have left. Then they are shocked when I tell them July and look at me like they think my water might break any second. It’s a lot of fun haha. I just don’t have anywhere for these little babes to go. I’m too short so this belly just sticks out hahaha. People never expect for me to say this is my 4th baby let alone my 4th girl. I keep telling myself it must be that I look too young to be a mom of 4 right??! . The comments just make me laugh. I really don’t take offense to any of it. I think it’s funny how curious people are and I would probably be asking the same things. We really are excited for another little lady to join our team. My girls can’t wait for her to come out. Mommy will be anxious for her to come out too because these hips are over it! Looking forward to July but wanting these next two months to go slow because July means life gets even crazier! Side note: The second photo is a picture of my Claire belly from 3 years ago at almost this exact same time of year.

Give me all the cute baby chub!! There is nothing better than a squishy baby. I love her so much! I did this session for these cute friends of mine on the hills behind my house and I loved it! It was once again right around noon but I totally love the bright sun and fluffy clouds. We couldn’t have asked for a prettier day.

Oh my mom heart could melt! My little Lexi Rae was baptized today and it made me so happy to do some fun pictures of my beach babe. The running and twirling is her to a T! I can see my little 2 year old Lexi in her Anna dress dancing around our living room singing every word to every Frozen song. She has always been a dancing princess. When her dress came in the mail she said Mom, I didn’t know it would be this pretty! She’s such a sweetheart. I’m so proud of her and the cute little girl she has become. I wish I could slow down time and keep her this little. #lexibabe

Earth Day! I feel like I celebrated the earth every day last week with my girls including visiting the flower fields. So much goodness to be grateful for but flowers are right at the top probably tied with food haha. I mean thank goodness the earth provides us with food!! Am I right? This is one of my very favorite things to do every spring. I had to go back and look at the last few years we’ve gone together to post these before pics too. It’s too cute. This little bunch is just growing up so fast! Where did all those baby faces go!

I’m so grateful for my job. I struggled in college trying to find anything that really interested me and then I took my beginning photo 1 class and that was it. I was hooked. It’s been a side gig of mine that I have perfected over the years. I love having an outlet and something that I am so proud to create. It can sometimes be an added stress in my life but then I deliver images like this to people I love and it makes my heart so happy. I did that. I put that smile on their ...face when I delivered that photo. I made that mom cry looking at her sweet family. I captured love, life, and happiness at whatever stage of life they are in. I created memories and moments in time. It has taken me many years to be proud of my work but I am so proud. I’m so grateful for this talent that I have and I want to thank all of my amazing clients for trusting me to capture your special moments. You’re the reason I love what I do and it’s been a great year with great clients. See more

I escaped to paradise with my hubs last weekend for a few days and when we got home Lexi asked me if I was SO glad to be home? My answer...yes??? I’ve only been back for 4 days and everyday has been packed with last minute Halloween fun or prepping for Halloween fun. I’m so exhausted! Anyone else?! Like my mom points are through the roof this week! Really looking forward to November 1st and/or November 4th , and/or Christmas. I mean any of those will be great!

How is it almost November?! I feel like this month has been such a blur. Back to school, the start of all the holiday fun, mini sessions on repeat and then some. I feel like I haven’t even stopped to catch a breath! Halloween is just a few days away and I don’t feel ready for it. Some days I just long for the simplicity of summer and all the to do lists I didn’t have to make. However, I already started buying Christmas decorations at target that I don’t need so I’d say I’m excited for the holidays. I think we all need some holiday cheer right about now.

Well I managed to survive our first week back at school and getting my kids out the door by 7:40 every morning! We haven’t had to accomplish that feat in quite awhile so it was a bit exhausting. I had 10 photo shoots this weekend and a hubby who was gone the better half of last week. I felt like a rockstar accomplishing it all on my own and now I feel like I got hit by a truck hahaha. I need a nap! But, the work goes on and now I’m enjoying editing all these fun sessions. Can we talk about this glassy sand?!?! It. Is. My. Favorite! Just pure magic. Not to mention these cute energetic kiddos that made this session so fun for me.

When you don’t have a toddler the worlds cutest dog will fill those shoes just fine. Thor really stole the show and I think everyone was ok with it. I really want to steal him but I guess I’ll have to settle with him living down the street. My girls are his biggest fans haha. Cutest pup and sweetest family ever! Loved this session.